Bear Heads Off

His first assignment is here, now that he is back from his adventures in Rome.  Bear has been accepted into seminary for the Oklahoma Diocese.  Until school begins in the fall they want him to work at a parish.  He was nervous but very excited.

The kiddos woke early to say their goodbyes.

Bear packed his car and headed off.  This is one of those times when a mother's heart is so full of love!  My son was leaving as a grown man to pursue his own adventures.  This was not how I felt when he left for college.  I felt this way the day that Pooker and Goobers moved out into an apartment together.  It is joyous and heart wrenching at the same time.  I hugged him goodbye, and kissed his check knowing that he was leaving my home as a man.  He may live in our home again but never as a boy that I must instruct.  Unless you have a child that has grown into adulthood, you will not understand.  It is so hard to explain.  I know that he is well formed.  I know that I have taught him and his father has guided him.  Our day to day job in raising this man is finished.  My heart rejoiced.  It also brought an ache to my heart.  My job is over.  I must trust that he will follow God's plan for him.  I can't fix it anymore.  He leaves a man responsible for his own path, his own faith, his own destiny.  All of these feeling I would have no matter what he was leaving to do.  Dad and I are extremely proud and confidant that Bear is leaving a man of God.

At this moment Bear's path is to pursue his place as a priest.  We have no way of knowing if that is the vocation that God has chosen for him.  We do know that Bear is listening to God with his whole heart and is willing to do what ever God asks of him.  I see my son leaving our home and beginning his journey.  No matter where his life takes him, I am confidant he will be close to God.

Bear gave J and I this book months ago, when he first applied to OKC diocese. Today I sat and read it as he drove away.  The truth is that the book didn't apply to us as much as it might to others.  This is a family that loves our church, even with all of it's flaws.  We understand that our duty is to support our son and pray for his vocation.  We ask that you offer prayers for him as well.

A few hours later he arrived at his new home.  God's will be done!  

Bear, you will forever be our son.  We will forever love you.  We will be here for you to support you when needed.  We promise to continue to pray for you every day!  Now go and pursue God's Will! 

Can I just say that being mom is not easy.  It is in these moments that define our parenthood.  I am not threatened in his leaving.  I am not worried for his soul.  I am both filled with joy and sadness.  I am sad that part of my role is complete but I am joyful for the life he will live!

May Our Dear Lord, protect and guide you Bear!